Plaquemines Port to Build Mississippi River Container Terminal

Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District (PPHTD) said it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with several potential partners to development a multi-modal container terminal on the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish, La.

The signing of the LOI kicks off a six-month due diligence period during which the parties will conduct multiple studies prior to making a final investment decision (FID).

The proposed container terminal would encompass up to 1,000 acres and 8,200 feet of Mississippi River frontage just 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Phase one of construction is expected to take as little as two years and will deliver the capability to handle 22,000 TEU class vessels with the ability to expand capacity if needed.

Once the terminal is operational, U.S. Midwest shippers will be able to containerize and export many agricultural products, refrigerated cargo and chemical resins thanks to American Patriot Holdings (APH), one of the companies who signed the LOI. APH’s 2,375-TEU liner vessel will provide Mississippi River transport as far north as St. Louis, reaching upriver speeds of 13 mph. APH’s hybrid vessels, with a 1,700-TEU capacity, will provide transport service in tributary rivers. The patented no-wake bow and exoskeleton structure, along with liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion, will reduce shipper transportation costs and improve reliability as they could potentially service inland container centers in around St. Louis; Jefferson City, Mo.; Little Rock, Ark.; Memphis, Tenn.; Joliet, Ill.; Kansas City, Mo.; Cairo, Ill.; and Western Arkansas.

Plaquemines Port Executive Director Sandy Sanders said, “This will be the gateway port on the Gulf Coast capable of taking full advantage of the distribution network on the Mississippi and tributary rivers while reducing road congestion in the region and accommodating LNG-powered vessels to enhance environmental sustainability.”

A new LNG terminal proposed adjacent to the facility would open the door for large LNG-powered containerships in the U.S.

APH Principals Joe Gehegan and Bob McCormack recognize their LNG vessels will provide a vertically integrated transportation system resulting in significant shipper transportation savings and reliability to the Midwest. American Patriot Container Transport CEO Sal Litrico further commented, “We are ready to get this project underway to bring improved global competitiveness to our customers.”

Another key player, Louisiana 23 Development Company, LLC (Devco), led by Chris Fetters, was selected as the exclusive private development partner for Plaquemines Port in December 2019. Devco will provide financial solutions and funding alternatives to support the container terminal development. The company will be responsible for funding and constructing critical infrastructure including rail, warehousing and utility services. Plaquemines Port and Devco cultivated a strategic alliance with Dallas County Inland Port supplementing the Midwest trade network.